Early Palliative Care After Aborted Cancer Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Cloyd Jordan M., Khatri Rakhsha, Sarna Angela, Stevens Lena, Heh Victor, Dillhoff Mary, Kim Alex, Pawlik Timothy M., Ejaz Aslam, Wells-Di Gregorio Sharla, Scott Erin, Kale Sachin S.
Primary Institution: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Hypothesis
Early ambulatory palliative care referral following aborted cancer surgery would be feasible and acceptable.
Conclusion
Barriers to early ambulatory palliative care consultation exist after aborted cancer surgery, indicating a need for further research to optimize supportive care strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of participants met the primary endpoint of ambulatory palliative care within 30 days.
- Anxiety and depression scores did not significantly differ at 3-month follow-up compared to baseline.
- Patients traveled a mean of 70.7 miles for the palliative care visit.
Takeaway
This study looked at how patients who had cancer surgery that didn't go as planned could get help from palliative care. It found that many patients didn't get the help they needed in time.
Methodology
A single-institution prospective clinical trial enrolled adult patients with gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary cancer who had curative-intent oncologic surgery that was unexpectedly aborted.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the single-institution setting and the non-standardized nature of palliative care consultations.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single institution, which may limit generalizability, and had a small sample size with incomplete follow-up data.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 65.3 years, 68% male, and 88% White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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